10 Ways

As the end of 2007 approaches, it occurs to me that “capping off” the year is a very positive way to both celebrate accomplishments and achievements, and also to rest and rev up for the coming year. In the spirit of refreshment and renewal, I came up with these 10 ways to wrap up 2007 on a positive note.

1. Take a Reverse Vacation
It’s often not very easy to “get away” at this time of the year, unless you’re travelling to visit family. So instead of taking a vacation to somewhere, take a vacation from something!  Maybe it’s a taking a break from housework the week after Christmas (believe me, it’ll still be there when you’re ready for it!), or taking a day’s vacation from email, or taking a vacation from the commute and working from home if possible. Or perhaps it’s more of an internal shift - taking a break from stress, from negativity, or judgment. Or taking a break from the news, or from reality for a day or two!  Whatever your choice may be, I encourage you to find some way to take a break from some stressful or undesirable task or duty in your life for a few days to end the year positively.

2. New Beginnings
Start a new New Year’s tradition. Whether it’s something simple, like calling 3 close friends and letting them know you’re thinking of them (leaving voicemails if necessary), or something more complex like arranging a family game night or New Year’s party, choose one tradition you’d like to begin doing every year.

3. Stop
Have a “do nothing” day. Seriously. It’s much more refreshing than you can imagine - but only when you give yourself permission beforehand to have a “do nothing” day! Those days when you do nothing, but have a “To Do” list a mile long that you’re merely avoiding facing, don’t count as a “do nothing” day.

For best results, I highly recommend staying in your pj’s all day on your “do nothing” day. (Bunny slippers optional.)

4. Silver Bells
Volunteer to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.  If you can get a group to do it, you can break it up into hour-long shifts and also partner up!  This makes it a lot of fun. Interact with the passers-by, and spread some holiday cheer.  If that’s not an option, visit a local retirement home and spend some time with the residents. There are many ways to “give back” during the holiday season - look for one that suits you and try it out.

5. Beautiful Dreamer
Make a list of 50 things you’d like to do or accomplish in the coming year. Know as you do this that they may not all happen, but allow yourself the pleasure of imagining that they will. Have fun exploring the limitless possibilities as you create this list!  Tuck it away in your Daybook or notebook so you come across it over the year.

6. Make a “Top Memories of 2007″ List
This is a fun activity to do at say, your new annual New Year’s party! :)  But it’s also fun to do around a family dinner, or even all alone.  You can buy a fancy-schmancy new journal or binder for this, or just write the memories on note cards or in a spiral notebook. Reflect over the year and record in writing your best memories of the year. Hint: Scan over the digital and printed photos from the year, and also your appointment book to jog your memory.

7. Silent Night
Set aside one night for quiet reflection. No telly, no radio, no phone calls. Just a night of reflection, relaxation, and contemplation. It may sound boring at first, and it may in fact be boring for the first twenty minutes or so, but I’m often surprised at how refreshing this can be when I try it myself. After a little while, it becomes easier to be with yourself in the quiet and it actually is a very simple yet effective way to reconnect and become grounded.

8. Wrap It Up
Finish a stagnant project. This opens up opportunities for something new, fresh, and fun to come your way.   

9. Clear the Decks
Spend an hour or two clearing away visible clutter in your home or office. (This can be either after or before your reverse vacation!) Whether you realize it or not, clutter soaks up energy. Even people who are “quite content” with clutter find that once it’s gone, there is a refreshing flood of new ideas and inspiration that comes to them after the clearing process.   Think about clearing the “inner” decks too, meaning whatever mental clutter you can resolve.

10. Get a Self-Esteem Booster Shot
Most people are much more aware of their lack and failings than their strengths, growth, and successes. Which is often why people suffer from low self-esteem, uncertainty, and lack of confidence.

Tapping into your successes and creating a visible record of your achievements, learnings, and accomplishments gives a great emotional boost and fortifies your faith in yourself. What better way to start the new year than with a nice Self-Esteem Booster Shot?

Get a pile of 3×5 notecards. Writing just one achievement per card, start listing all of the things you’ve accomplished over the past 5 years. Take into account work or career, relationships, inner growth, contributions to society and the community, spiritual growth, personal achievements, and whatever else comes to mind. Spend a little time doing this. As more ideas come to you later, go back and add them to the stack. Rubber band the pile and keep it in your desk drawer, or even on top of your desk if you’d like a visible reminder of all you’ve accomplished.

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There are probably at least two or three ideas that appeal to you. Choose one, and use it to wrap up 2007 positively!

Wishing you abundant blessings in 2008,
Tammy